#533: Best Hacking Tools for 2026: From Linux to DragonOS

Jan 19, 2026

OTW, author of Linux Basics for Hackers and cybersecurity educator, shares the must-have tools for 2026. Short takes on Linux and Python as foundations. Quick looks at Nmap, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Metasploit and Nessus. Deep dive into DragonOS and SDRs for wireless and IoT work. Notes on virtualization, IDS/logging, building Linux firewalls and using AI to boost productivity.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Make Linux Your Foundation

Learn Linux first because it's the foundation for almost every cybersecurity tool and embedded device.
Master Linux to manage systems you compromise or defend, from servers to IoT devices.

ADVICE

Scan Networks With Nmap

Use Nmap to discover hosts, open ports, and services before any engagement.
Treat it as a core recon tool for both offense and defense to identify attackable targets.

ADVICE

Inspect Traffic Using Wireshark

Learn Wireshark to inspect and troubleshoot network traffic at the protocol level.
Pair it with protocol knowledge (TCP/IP) to interpret packets rather than seeing gibberish.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this video, I sit down with OTW (author of Linux Basics for Hackers) to reveal the definitive list of top hacking and cybersecurity tools for 2026. We cover everything from the essential foundations like Linux and Python to the "state of the art" in wireless hacking with DragonOS and SDRs. // Occupy The Web SOCIAL // X: / three_cube Website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Occupy The Web Books // Linux Basics for Hackers 2nd Ed US: https://amzn.to/3TscpxY UK: https://amzn.to/45XaF7j Linux Basics for Hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3wqukgC UK: https://amzn.to/43PHFev Getting Started Becoming a Master Hacker US: https://amzn.to/4bmGqX2 UK: https://amzn.to/43JG2iA Network Basics for hackers: US: https://amzn.to/3yeYVyb UK: https://amzn.to/4aInbGK // OTW Discount // Use the code BOMBAL to get a 20% discount off anything from OTW's website: https://hackers-arise.net/ // Playlists REFERENCE // Linux Basics for Hackers: • Linux for Hackers Tutorial (And Free Courses) Mr Robot: • Hack like Mr Robot // WiFi, Bluetooth and ... Hackers Arise / Occupy the Web Hacks: • Hacking Tools (with demos) that you need t... // David's SOCIAL // Discord: discord.com/invite/usKSyzb Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbombal Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbombal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidbombal YouTube: / @davidbombal Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gE... SoundCloud: / davidbombal Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MY STUFF // https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal // SPONSORS // Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: sponsors@davidbombal.com // MENU // 0:00 - Coming up 01:00 - Top hacking tools for 2026 04:07 - Hacking tool #1: The hacking OS 07:10 - Hacking tool #2: Discovering systems on the network 08:31 - Hacking tool #3: Monitoring network traffic 10:25 - Hacking tool #4: Web app hacking 11:24 - Hacking tool #5: Vulnerability scanner 16:35 - Hacking tool #6: Basic hacking 18:11 - Hacking tool #7: The cybersecurity scripting language 19:38 - Hacking tool #8: Hacking wireless signals 25:27 - Hacking tool #9: Virtual machines 27:38 - Hacking tool #10: IDS (Intrusion Detection System) 32:08 - Hacking tool #11: Learning firewalls 37:07 - Hacking tool #12: Using AI 42:45 - Hacking tools summary 43:25 - The era of AI 45:34 - Conclusion Please note that links listed may be affiliate links and provide me with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items listed or recommended. Thank you for supporting me and this channel! Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.